Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana, Inc. | Programs | Anytime Activities

Anytime Activites

Communities throughout GSSI's 11-county jurisdiction offer programs and opportunities for girls!

Art, History, and Culture

Careers

Dance, Exercise, and Sports

STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)

Volunteer Opportunities for Girls

Art, History, and Culture

Magic Tree House Traveling Exhibit

When: September 29, 2012 – January 19, 2013 - Make sure to visit our interactive history traveling exhibit!
What: Based on the best-selling children’s book series written by Mary Pope Osborne and published by Random House, the Magic Tree House exhibit allows visitors to branch out through history via a magical, time-traveling tree house. Join Jack and Annie, two ordinary siblings from Frog Creek, Pennsylvania, as they are whisked away in time to experience three important periods in American history. Rooted in character education, this literacy-based exhibit allows imaginations to grow as children explore history through the unique, immersive environments featuring period costumes, props and more than 30 hands-on learning activities.
Where: cMoe, 22 SE Fifth Street, in downtown Evansville
Contact: call 812-464-2663, ext. 230

Discover Mexico, for Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4-5)
Learn about Mexican culture, customs, and Our Cabana (Girl Scout World Centre). Girls will enjoy activities from Mexican culture, including arts, foods, fiestas, history, games, language, and more. They will also find out how they can someday travel to Our Cabana as a destinations articipant. The workshop ends in a fun fiesta where a pinata is broken. Length: 3-3 1/2 hours. Cost: $5per girl. Minimum participants: 20 girls, Max, 32. Call Susan Huck at 812-437-4650 to arrange a date.

Tour a Theatre for Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4-5)
Take a tour of the beautiful Red Skelton Performing Arts Center, located on the Vincennes University Campus. Find out about its European Opera-style seating, coming events, and its role in the community as a learning center for students. Also, learn about Red Skelton, his life and work. Tours: Mondays and Fridays, 2 p.m., and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. Times are Eastern. Contact 812-888-4140 for more information.

George Rogers Clark Memorial Park-for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Share this important historical spot with girls. The place has a Junior Ranger program that involves learning about the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Summer highlights include Junior Ranger activities in which girls can earn patches and learn more about George Rogers Clark. For more information, visit http://www.nps.gov/gero/index.htm and click on "For Kids."

Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
The museum has a collection that contains documents signed by Voltaire, Napoleon, Oscar Wilde, and Abraham Lincoln. For more information, call (812) 425-2406, or visit www.emuseum.or. Location: 411 Southeast Riverside Drive, Evansville. Contact: (812) 425-240.

Evansville African American Museum--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
This museum celebrates the struggles, successes, and experiences of African Americans in Evansville over the last 70 years. Location: 579 N. Garvin St., Evansville. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Contact: (812) 423-5188

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
At the EVPL Teen Scene, you can hang out with friends, surf the Internet, check out books or dvds or join the eTeens Tech Club or the Teen Creative Writing Group. For special activities for younger chiidren, click on http://www.evpl.org/kids and then on "Kids Event Brochure." Location: 200 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Evansville. Contact: http:www.evpl.org

Spanish Classes for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
In the YMCA's weekly, 7-session class, girls will learn simple phrases, as well as colors, numbers, and the alphabet. One of 2-session introductory classes can also be arranged. Location: 222 NW 6th St., Evansville. Cost: $40 per troop. Contact: Kelly Boylls, (812) 423-9622.

Express Yourself Art Classes for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
These classes focus on different aspects of art and artistic expression. Location: YMCA of Southwest Indiana, 222 NW 6th St., Evansvlle. Cost: $40 per troop. Conact: Kelly Boylls, (812) 423-9622

St. Meinrad Abbey--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Enjoy an audio walking tour of the church and grounds on any day. Monk-led tours are available on Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. Central. Contact 1-800-581-6905. Location: 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad IN.

Buffalo Run Farm, Grill and Gifts-for All Girl Scouts--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Buffalo Run was a trackway originally formed by migrating bison that later became an important land route for settlers coming to Indiana. Buffalo Run Farm Grill and Gifts sits where Abraham Lincoln's cousin, Dennis Hanks, once lived. Tour the farm and see an authentic tepee, the legendary Lincoln Cabin, and a live herd of buffalo. Location: 3804 SR 162, between Lincoln City and Santa Claus, IN. Contact: (812) 937-2799.

Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Visit the cabin Abe Lincoln called home during age 7-21. Experience his father's living farm, two memorial halls, and a museum. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Call 812-937-4541.

Lincoln Pioneer Village--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Visit fourteen replica cabins that represent Abraham Lincoln's pioneer life. Contact Diane Unfried at 812-431-7549. Location: Indiana SR 162, near Lincoln City, IN.

Dubois County Museum for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
This museum features local history from early settlers, wartime displays, retro artificats, antique tools, farm equipment, an original local cabin, and Girl Scout artifacts. Location: 2704 N. Newton St., Jasper IN. Contact: (812) 634-7733.

Hunt for Kid Treasures--for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (grades K-5)
It's a treasure hunt, a scavenger hunt, and a bit of geocaching as you solve riddles to discover the treasures of French Lick Resorts at French Lick Springs Hotel and Event Center, 8670 West State Road 56, French Lick. Activity originates at Kids-Fest in front of the Hotel and Event Center. Parents must register their daughters and sign a release form. Reserve by calling 888-936-9360.

Instrument Petting Zoo--for Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (grades k-5)
Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra's Instrument Petting Zoo allows children to try a variety of musical instruments. Girls are invited to blow, stroke, and pluck sounds from various instruments. The workshop is free. Contact Summer Bennett, 812-425-5050, Ext. 316, to book a workshop.

Indiana's Original River Town Indoor Presentation--for Girl Scout Brownies,Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 3-12)
Learn about Mississippian daily life and how proximity to the Ohio River made Angel Munds prime real estate for ancient developers.
Angel Mounds, 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville. Program is offered on-site or at troop's meeting site.
(812) 853-3956

Birds, Berries, Beavers, and Bark Grounds Tour--for all Girl Scouts (grades K-12)
Discover how the "bare necessities" gave the Mississippians of Angel Mounds the means to survive and thrive.
Angel Mounds, 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville. Program is offered on-site.
(812) 853-3956

From Archaeology to History Indoor Presentation--for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 4-12)
Learn about the pioneers of Indiana archaeolgy, Glenn a. Black and Eli Lilly.
Angel Mounds, 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville. Program is offered on-site or at troop's meeting site.
(812) 853-3956

MoundQuest Grounds Tour--for Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 3-12)
Take a walk in the footsteps of the Missisippians of Angel Mounds in this guided tour of the ancient village site. Angel Mounds, 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville. Program is offered on-site. (812) 853-3956

Mythic Lithics--for Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Make functional tools, using Stone Age technology in this experimental archaeology activity. Angel Mounds, 8215 Pollack Avenue, Evansville. Program is offered on-site for groups of up to 15 girls. (812) 853-3956

SnickerDoodle Kids--for all Girl Scouts
This fun workshop will come to your troop/group meeting place. Cost: $10.00 per Girl.
Click on this flier for details!
Testimonial: As leaders, we were not quite sure what to do to make our Painting Try it meaningful. We are not artists and wanted to do something different that the girls were not already exposed to. Then we came upon SnickerDoodle Kids and it was PERFECT! Andrea was wonderful and so easy to work with! She brought all of the supplies, worked so wonderful with the girls, created AMAZING art pieces (even cleaned up) and created a life long memory for our troop. I was in awe of this process and recommend you contact SnickerDoodle Kids for your troop or personal activities!!! Thank you SnickerDoodle Kids!!!

Cindi Watkins
Co-Leader
Troop 696

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Careers

Become a Digital Photography Guru for Juniors/Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors
Explore a commercial photography studio and learn about digital photography. Juniors will earn the Digital Photography Badge from the It's Your World -Change it! National Proficiency Badges.
Minimum: 10 girls/ Max 30 girls. For Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, minimum is 2-3 girls.
Contact: Dave Tang, 812-422-5864, to schedule a time and date for the workshop, one month in advance. Discounted digital cameras will be available for purchase at the program.
Where: Sprazzo Studios 1510 Baker Avenue, Unit C, near Garvin Park
Cost: $25 per girl (Does not include camera and badge)

Tour Tracy Zeller's Jewelry Shop--for Girl Scouts in grades 4-12)
Girls can tour Tracy Zeller's shop and learn about the jewelry profession and the tools and skills needed to create and repair fine jewelry. Location: 111 S. Red Bank Rd., Evansville. Contact: (812) 423-4376.

Become a Cook! --for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Discover the basics of baking and entertaining with Lanea Stagg, author of Recipe Records,in aprogram that enables Girl Scout troops of any age or service unit groups to meet the requirements for the Cook Badge. Ms. Stagg will come to your meeting place to lead the program. Cost:$1.00 per girl, plus any additional cost for supplies. Contact: Lanea Stagg, (812) 305-3868, to schedule a class.

Gattitown's Be Your Own Chef--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Make your own pizza on a tour of Gattitown's kitchens. Location: 316 N. Green River Rd., Evansville (across from Toy R Us). Contact: Glenna, (270) 748-1233, or www.info@gattitownevansville.com.

A Look Behind the Scenes at a Local Newspaper--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Get up close and personal with the Jasper Herald, Jasper, Indiana. Contact 812-482-2626 to schedule a free tour.

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Dance, Exercise, and Sports

United States Tennis Association Membership
Girls, ages 5-10, can get free membership in the US Tennis Association. Membership includes: Bounce, a quarterly newsletter, eligibility to participate in USTA Junior Tournaments, and eligibility to participate in USTA Jr. Team Tennis! This is a great opportunity to think about starting your own Girl Scout Team! Deadline to Register is December 31, 2012. For details, go to: www.tryusta.com/juniorfree or call 1-800-990-8782

Earn the President’s Active Lifestyle Award or get involved in the national Let’s Get Moving initiative.
The President’s Active Lifestyle Award is a challenge for anyone, from students to seniors, who wants to get on the path to being fit.
Here are the goals:
Adults (18 years and older): You need to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (goal: 8,500).
Kids and teens (6 and 17 years): You need to be active 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (girls’ goal: 11,000; boys’ goal: 13,000).
Starting the PALA will help you:-Commit to daily physical activity—and stick with it.
-Set realistic goals to encourage fitness for a lifetime.
-Track your progress with our free personal activity log, which you can access online after you create an individual account, or on a paper log (PDF).
PALA makes fitness fun! Yes, you need to be active every day, but participants can choose all kinds of activities to meet this goal—playing with the kids, gardening, walking, playing basketball, running, yoga, and mor.
Click here to get started!
Visit the following link, http://www.letsmove.gov/, for ideas about healthy eating, fun ways and places to get active, and how to join this national active living initiative

Y Aquatic Programs--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Girl Scout Scout Troop Aquatic Programis an hour-long program for $40/troo. Adult troop volunteers can bring in any troop working on an aquatics badge and the YMCA staff will either instruct them or test and check off their skills. Y staff is also available for any fitness related badges. In this way, troops can arrange to meet badge requirements at a time that fits their schedules. Contact Kelly Boylls, Sr. Program Director, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, at 812-423-9622. Click here for a detailed flyer.

Day of Dance at Children's Center for Dance Education--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
CCDE instructors will host a day where girls learn differenet types of dance! Program meets some requirements for Girl sCout Dance badge. Wear socks and comfortable clothers. Location: North Studio, 311 N. First Ave., Evansville. Cost: $6 per girl. Other children and family members can participate at the same price. Call in advance to reserve a date and time, at (812) 421-8066.

Fire Horse Yoga--for Girl Scouts in grades 6-12)
Escape into a world of comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Join a professional yoga instructor for a beginning lesson. Learn how yoga can help reduce stress and keep you fit. Cost: $7 per girl. Location: 513 1/2 Main St., Jasper IN. Contact: Tina Drew, (812) 309-9093.

Aqua Zumba --for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Dance and groove to the beat of Latin rhythms in this fun, engaging water fitness class. Girl Scout Brownies can fulfill some requirements for the Dance badge by completing this class. Location: YMCA of Southwest Indiana, 222 NW 6th St., Evansville. $40 per troop. Contact: Kelly Boylls, (812) 423-9622.

Swonder Ice Arena--for all Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Call (812) 479-2922 for open ice times and skate rental inquiries. Location: 209 N. Boeke Rd., Evansville.

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Outdoor Activities

Big Splash--for All Girl Scouts(grades k-12)
Click on "Big Splash" (line above) for a little bit of information about setting up a "Big Splash" party at Big Splash Adventure, in French Lick, IN. To find out more, call 877-936-3866, or visit www.valleyofthesprings.com.

Visit Marengo Cave--for Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 2-12)
Are girls feeling adventurous? Marengo Cave offers exciting fun all year round. There are programs for all levels of skill—beginner to advanced—and a wide range of trip packages to fit troop needs. For information click here for color brochure, click here for pricing information and visit www.MarengoCave.com.

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Safety

Cintas First Aid Safety Workshop--for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (grades 6-12)
With guidance from American Heart Association staff, Girl Scouts will learn, practice, and become certified in CPR and First Aid skills. Note: to receive certification, girls must be able to perform CPR. Cost: $35 per person, including snack and certification. Program meets most of the First Aid badge requirements. Location: Cintas, 7233 Enterprise Park Drive, Evansville. Contact: Katie O'Daniel, (812) 471-0870 or o'danielk@cintas.com.

Volunteer at Ark Crisis Center--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Ark needs volunteers to paly with children or help in other ways. The Center provides a safe environment for children, ages 6 weeks to 6 years, and a resource for parents to help them alleviate stress in their lives. Ark Crisis Center, 415 Linoln Ave., Evansville. Contact: (812) 423-9425, or arkcrisis@sigecom.net.

Tri-County YMCA--for All Girl Scouts--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
YMCA staff can help your troop work toward or earn a badge. Contact the Tri-County YMCA for details. Location: 802 E. 10th St., Ferdinand, IN. Register for a class at least two weeks in advance. Contact: Christine Hasenour, christine@tricountyymca.org, or (812) 367-2323.

Humane Society Advocacy Opportunity--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Girl Scouts can join The Humane Society of the United States for an amazing advocacy program. The Humane program, which consists of five service learning projects in animal protection, including raising awareness about pets, living peacefully with wildlife, and holding fur collections for young wildlife in rehabilitation centers, was recognized by Youth Service America with the Harris Wofford Award in 2008. Visit www.kindnews.org to get started on your advocacy journey. Leaders of teen Girl Scouts can visit www.humaneteen.org. Student Outreach staff can help girls by email, phone, or Skype as they complete projects. For informaiton about project ideas for younger Girl Scouts, visit www.humanesociety/kids.

Clara's Comfort for Kids Service Project--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
The YWCA, in Evansville, requests that people bring comfort to kis in the community by creating fleece blankets for police officers to keep in their patrol cars to give to children who are victims of tragedy/crimes. Troops can individualize their blankets with troop number and a special message, if they like. Contact YWCA Shelter Director, 812-422-1191, to get instructions for this project.

Emergency Management Programs & Tours--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
The Jasper Indiana Police Department has developed many ways to reach out to the community and will deliver a special presentation for Girl Scouts on any emergency management subject (crime prevention, personal and home safety tips, cyber crime, etc.) Troops can tour their facilities, too. Call 812-482-2255 for more information. Email mtedrow@cs.jasper.in.us for day tours or jcarie@cs.jasper.in.us for evening tours.

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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)

Schedule a workshop at which girls can complete requirements for Senses, Bugs, and Animal Habitats badges.
Contact Jan Steinmark, jans@evpl.org or (812) 853-3956

Keep Evansville Beautiful volunteer opportunities
1. Spring landscape workday--e-mail for information with subject line SPRING WORKDAY INFO PLEASE. Individuals or groups may be assigned greens cape areas managed by KEB to mulch and weed for one day. Some planting, too!
2. Fall bed-down workday--e-mail for information with subject line FALL BED-DOWN WORKDAY INFO PLEASE. Individuals or groups may be assigned greens cape areas managed by KEB to prune, mulch and prepare for winter.
3. Burdette Park--contact the Office at 435-5602. Opportunities exist for mulching crews small and large, weeding and enjoying this beautiful park.
4. Garvin Park Fountain--Contact Ellen Julian at elju53@juno.com or Mike Mcgarrah of Keep Evansville Beautiful at mikemcgarrah@sbcmobile.net.
5. City of Evansville, Partners in Parks--contact the parks office at 435-6141. Greenway Trail monitors for litter, vandalism and workdays. Other park clean-up and care opportunities. Be part of the success of our city parks.
For further information about Keep Evansville Beautiful' s on-going volunteer programs call 425-4461 or visit the organization's Web site, http://www.keepevansvillebeautiful.org.

S.M.I.L.E on Down Syndrome Community Outreach Opportunities
What: S.M.I.L.E. has compiled information on its organization as well as Down Syndrome statistics and resources for girls who want to learn more about Down Syndrome, and has designed a formalized sign-up sheet for girls who may be interested in helping the organization through volunteer work.
Click here for Down syndrome fact sheet.
Click here for S.M.I.L.E. project form. Reminder: Girl Scouts may make donations, stuff envelopes, or help in other ways, but as Girl Scouts, they may not conduct fundraising activities for other organizations.
Contact: Nikki Davis, S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome, Interim Executive Director, at this email address:nikki@davisdigitalphotography.com

Wesselman Nature Society Programs--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Girls can experience Girl Scout journeys through nature discovery activities, outdoor explorations, animal encounters, group games, arts and crafts, and more. Activities can be tailored to suit the interests of the group. Location: 551 N. Boeke Rd., Evansville.
Where: Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve, Howell Wetlands, local waterways, or at a location of your choice.
Contact: Call (812) 479-0771, Ext. 103, to check program availability, or discuss custom program options. Send registrations to Wesselman Nature Society, 551 N. Boeke Road, Evansville, IN 47711.

Visit Jasper's City Mill--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Visit a recently reconstructed mill to see the workings of the water wheel on the Patoka River. Location, 160 Third Avenue, Jasper. Contact 1-800-968-4578.

Disney Youth Education Series--for All Girl Scouts(grades k-12)
Get discounted tickets for Disney World and attend a special Youth Education Series. Visit www.disneytpa.com. Click on Youth Education Series at the bottom of the page.

Tour the Toyota Plant in Princeton, IN--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Get under the hood at the Toyota Indiana Visitors Center, 4000 S. Tulip Tree Drive, Princeton, IN. Call (812) 387-22665 to schedule a tour. Must be 16 people or more in the group.

Tour the GM Bowling Green Corvette Assembly Plant--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Did you know that all Covettes are produced in Bowling Green, Kentucky? Visit the plant and experience fist-hand the passion and excitement of America's sports car. Location: 600 Corvette Dr., Bowling Green, KY. 42101. Cost: $6 per girls under 18, $7 for those over 18 years of age. Box lunches are available for 4 per girl, ages 12 and under; and $7 for girls older than 12. Contact: Chris Sweeney, (207) 781-7973, Ext. 185.

The Building Audit, for Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4-5)
Girls can visit a community building to complete an energy audit. (Leaders: Consult the Get Moving Journey Book, pp. 71-72, to get started.) Then, go to http://energy.trane.com to input your collected data. Log-in name: Girl Scouts. Password is Trane. Once you have completed the project, turn your knowledge into Action!

Resource Stewardship Girl Scout Ranger Program--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
This program can be done at any National Park, but we recommend the Lincoln Boyhood Memorial Park because it's close by. The program invites Girl Scout to participate in projects at national park sites to raise awareness about the partnership between national parks and Girl Scouts, give girls the opportunity to learn more about protecting natural and cultural resouces, and promote girls' exploration of environmental science and conservation careers. Girls can earn certificates and/or patches for participating. For more information, call 812-937-4541 or Google Resource Stewardship Girl Scout Ranger Program.

Girl Scout Explorers at cMOE (Evansville Children's Museum--for All Girl Scouts (grades k-12)
Did you know that you can complete requirements toward earning a badge or Try-It just by exploring cMoe, 22 SE 5th Street, Evansville? Any Girl Scout troop of 10 girls or more can explore the museum for the special rate of $5.50/Girl Scouts, with an advance reservation. One adult for every five girls will be admitted free. Make sure to ask at the Admissions Desk for our special Scout Scavenger Hunt, at no extra charge. Call Karen Cox, 812-464-2663, X230 to reserve a spot for your troop.